Photo: lnyln
sexta-feira, 2 de outubro de 2026
FLEET - Air Astana’s first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registered as EI-KZA) made its maiden flight on October 1, 2026, performing test and approach flights out of Charleston International Airport in South Carolina
Part of an expansion including leased units and a major order finalized with Boeing for up to 15 additional 787-9 aircraft
Photo: Johnson541
FLEET - KLM’s First Airbus A350 Arrives at Schiphol
KLM’s first Airbus A350-900 landed at Schiphol today, marking the next step in the renewal of its intercontinental fleet. The A350 is cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient, while offering passengers greater comfort during their journey. In a few weeks, the aircraft will make its first flight with Toronto as its first destination. Flights to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Zanzibar will follow.
Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM: “We’re delighted to welcome our first A350 to Schiphol. This is an important milestone for KLM and for the Netherlands. Fleet renewal is one of the most effective ways we can make our operations cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient. We already have 17 A321neos flying on our European routes, and with the arrival of the A350, we’re taking the next step in renewing our intercontinental fleet. That means more comfort for our passengers, while also reducing our impact on our surroundings.”
Dutch Masterpieces Inspire Aircraft Names
For more than a century, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the rest of the world The airline has chosen well-known Dutch works of art as the inspiration for the names of its Airbus A350 aircraft. The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn is an iconic work of art and perhaps the Netherlands’ best-known masterpiece, attracting visitors from around the world to the Rijksmuseum. The first A350 carries a name that is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and instantly recognizable around the world. The second aircraft will be named Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Quieter and More Comfortable
Over the coming years, the Airbus A350 will replace part of KLM’s current intercontinental fleet. The aircraft uses approximately 25% less fuel than previous-generation aircraft. Its noise footprint is also approximately 40% smaller, meaning that people living near airports experience less noise from aircraft taking off and landing. For passengers, the A350 offers a new level of comfort, with one of the quietest cabins in its class and an improved onboard environment.
Certification of World Business Class Seats
The A350 has 331 seats: 271 in Economy Class, 26 in Premium Comfort Class, and 34 in World Business Class (WBC). EASA has now approved the test results for the WBC seats, allowing the certification process to begin.
Fleet Renewal
KLM is investing €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the Airbus A350 for intercontinental routes and the A350F for cargo operations, the fleet renewal program includes the Airbus A321neo, the Embraer E2 fleet operated by KLM Cityhopper, and Boeing 787 aircraft.
FLEET - Third SWISS Airbus A350 arrives in Zurich
SWISS took delivery of its third Airbus A350-900 in Zurich today. The factory-new A350 is named “Zug” and will operate services to Shanghai and Johannesburg in the future.
The Airbus A350-900 with the registration HB-IFC is the third aircraft of its type to join the Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) fleet, following “Lausanne” (HB-IFA) and “Delémont” (HB-IFB). With its arrival, SWISS is continuing the renewal of its long-haul fleet. From October, the A350 will be deployed on services between Zurich and Shanghai and between Zurich and Johannesburg. SWISS will add a total of ten Airbus A350-900s to its fleet by 2030.
More “SWISS Senses” on long-haul services
Like the first two A350s, “Zug” features the new “SWISS Senses” cabin, offering guests a new travel experience in all four classes of travel – First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy Class. “With our third A350, we are taking another visible step forward in the modernization of our long-haul fleet. I am particularly pleased that this will enable more and more of our guests to experience our new SWISS Senses product. ‘Zug’ embodies exactly what we aim to achieve with our fleet renewal: greater comfort for our guests and a modern, more efficient fleet,” says Oliver Buchhofer, Chief Operating Officer of SWISS.
A330 fleet also being modernized
In parallel with the introduction of the new Airbus A350s, SWISS is also modernizing its existing long-haul fleet. The first Airbus A330-300 is currently being fitted with the new “SWISS Senses” cabin in Hong Kong. This marks the start of a multi-year retrofit program under which all SWISS Airbus A330-300s will gradually be refurbished.
The entire A330 fleet is scheduled to feature the new cabin by mid-2028. As a result, “SWISS Senses” will gradually become available across an increasing proportion of the SWISS long-haul fleet, enabling more and more guests to experience the new cabin product.
SWISS
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Condor Expands FlyPink Initiative Together with Eintracht Frankfurt and Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V.
Condor is further expanding its commitment to the FlyPink initiative. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the airline is joining forces with its strategic partner Eintracht Frankfurt and Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V. to make an even stronger statement in support of awareness, early detection, and solidarity. For the first time, Condor is bringing together two of its partners under the FlyPink initiative to amplify its reach and raise greater public awareness of the importance of early detection and preventive care.
Joining Forces to Raise Awareness
A key highlight of the expanded partnership will be Eintracht Frankfurt's Bundesliga match against 1. FC Köln on 16 October 2026. Throughout the matchday, FlyPink will take center stage: the approximately 276-square-metre LED video cube inside Deutsche Bank Park, along with additional digital stadium displays, will be illuminated in pink. Educational materials provided by Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V. will inform fans about breast cancer prevention and early detection. Condor's player escorts will wear pink-striped T-shirts, joining together in a visible show of solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.
"Breast cancer affects so many people—either personally or through someone close to them. Together with Eintracht Frankfurt and Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V., we want to use our combined reach to bring even greater attention to this important issue, encourage people to take advantage of preventive screenings, and express our solidarity with everyone affected," said Daniel de Carvalho, Director Marketing & Communications at Condor.
"We are delighted and grateful to have such strong partners by our side. This collaboration enables us to reach even more people through new channels. Early detection of breast cancer saves lives!" said Renate Haidinger, Founder and Chairwoman of Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V.
FlyPink Throughout October
The joint stadium activation forms part of Condor's expanded FlyPink campaign throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The pink-and-white striped FlyPink aircraft carries the initiative's message around the world, while Condor crews wear pink accessories as a visible sign of solidarity. In addition, the FlyPink Safety Card available on board provides passengers with information on breast cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection.
Throughout October, Condor and Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V. will also raise awareness across multiple customer touchpoints. Specially designed FlyPink products will be available both in the Condor Shop and on board. All proceeds from the sale of these products will be donated to Brustkrebs Deutschland e. V., supporting the organisation's important work in education, prevention, and assisting people affected by breast cancer.
CONDOR
ORDER - Ethiopian Airlines Orders Boeing 777 and 777-8 Freighters to Expand Cargo Fleet
Firm order includes eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters
First African carrier to purchase the world's newest widebody freighter, the 777-8 Freighter
Ethiopian Airlines doubles its 777X family order book
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire(opens in a new tab)/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Ethiopian Airlines today announced the African carrier has ordered eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters. The airline will pair the proven performance of the 777 Freighter with the next generation 777X capabilities of the new 777-8 Freighter to expand its Boeing freighter fleet.
The order is Ethiopian Airlines' second for the 777X airplane family, building on its purchase of eight 777-9 passenger jets(opens in a new tab) that established the carrier as Africa's first 777X customer. The 777-8 Freighter will be the world's largest and most capable twin-engine freighter, supporting Ethiopian Airlines' expanding global network and advancing its international freight operations.
View File Download File
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines today announced the African carrier has ordered eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters. The airline will pair the proven performance of the 777 Freighter with the next generation 777X capabilities of the new 777-8 Freighter to expand its Boeing freighter fleet.
View File Download File
Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, and Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, announced the African carrier has ordered eight 777-8 Freighters and two 777 Freighters.
"This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening Ethiopian Airlines' cargo capabilities while supporting the continued expansion of our global network," said Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. "The addition of the Boeing 777-8F Freighters and 777F Freighters will enhance our ability to serve customers around the world with greater payload capacity, operational flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability. As demand for cargo services continues to grow, these aircraft will play a vital role in facilitating global trade, strengthening supply chain connectivity, and further reinforcing Ethiopia's position as a leading cargo gateway between Africa and international markets. It also marks our long-term partnership with Boeing."
With a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, the 777-8F offers the highest payload and range capability to open new markets while reducing fuel use and delivering the lowest operating cost per tonne of any freighter. The 777F set the standard for twin-engine freighter efficiency and productivity, and Ethiopian Airlines' 777F fleet ranks among the most highly utilized commercial airplanes in service.
"Ethiopian Airlines' order for the industry-leading 777 Freighter and new 777-8 Freighter highlights both the strength of our partnership and growing demand for air cargo worldwide," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. "We appreciate Ethiopian Airlines' continued confidence in Boeing and the 777 and 777X family of airplanes as it expands its cargo capabilities and global network. The airline continues to make history as the first in Africa to order the new 777-8 Freighter."
The 777-8F will complement Ethiopian Airlines' freighter fleet, retaining the key features of the 777 Freighter that support efficient operations, high utilization and reliability, including common cross-sections and walkways, and easy carriage of large outsize cargo.
Ethiopian Airlines currently connects more than 70 cargo markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America with a fleet of:
12 777 Freighters
Two 767 Freighters
And four 737-800SF airplanes
The new order will enable the airline to build on this network by providing greater flexibility to meet rising global demand for air cargo.
A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.
FLEET - Stratolaunch Expands Hypersonic Flight Test Infrastructure with Acquisition of Boeing 777 Carrier Aircraft
Stratolaunch, a leading pure-play hypersonics company, today announced it has acquired a Boeing 777-200ER, expanding Stratolaunch’s fleet of carrier aircraft supporting the company’s Talon-A autonomous, reusable, air-launched hypersonic flight test platforms. The addition of the Boeing 777 strengthens the company’s flight test infrastructure, increasing global reach and flight capacity to address customer demand, while also enhancing the company’s ability to offer additional services.
The acquisition represents another important expansion of Stratolaunch’s fleet of carrier aircraft and complements the company’s existing carrier assets, the Spirit of Mojave and Roc. With three carrier aircraft, Stratolaunch will be well positioned to maintain continuous launch readiness, boosting overall flight capacity by 35%.
The addition of the Boeing 777 carrier aircraft also increases the company’s global deployment capabilities, supporting operations wherever needed around the world. This expanded fleet supports broader mission profiles, reduces scheduling constraints and accelerates the ability to scale flight operations, including conducting parallel missions.
“As demand for hypersonic technologies continues to grow, we’re building the operational scale to make routine hypersonic testing a reality for our customers around the world,” said Zachary Krevor, President and CEO of Stratolaunch. “Adding the reliability of a Boeing 777 aircraft to our fleet enhances our flight flexibility and strengthens our long-term capacity as we work to provide the nation and our customers with the test cadence needed to accelerate hypersonic innovation. We look forward to operationalizing the aircraft and expanding our capability to serve customers at the scale and speed required to address hypersonic national security needs.”
The aircraft will undergo modifications to enable the air launch of Stratolaunch’s reusable, fully autonomous Talon-A hypersonic test vehicles from its fuselage, with completion expected in 2027.
Stratolaunch’s carrier aircraft take Talon-A to altitude before it is air-launched, effectively providing a reusable first stage for hypersonic flight. Compared with traditional ground-launch systems, this approach offers greater range, lower mission costs, flexible deployment and the ability to execute more representative real-world flight profiles.
The acquisition builds on a series of milestones achieved over the past year. In July 2026, the company announced it had surpassed more than 10 successful hypersonic flights with its Talon-A platform, following its February 2026 announcement of a $90.8M contract award under the Department of War Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonics Test Bed (MACH-TB) for air-launched capability test vehicles.
Together, these achievements reinforce the company’s commitment to enabling faster, more affordable and more responsive hypersonic test development. Serving government and commercial customers, Stratolaunch aims to expand America’s hypersonic testing infrastructure and deliver the vital flight data needed to develop next-generation technologies for national deterrence.
Stratolaunch
2026 ROUTES
Thai AirAsia will permanently end its direct Bangkok Don Mueang – Seoul Incheon service from 25 October, bringing the 12-year route to an end.
Trinity Airways (South Korea) will launch a Kobe–Seoul Incheon route on 18 December 2026, with B737-8 and B737-800.
Turkish Airlines will restore its regular service between Istanbul and Caracas starting October 1, 2026, with B787-9.
Air Greenland upcoming A320neo, serial 7352, is being prepared for delivery in Tallinn, and will eventually be deployed on the new route from Copenhagen to Ilulissat in mid-April 2027.
Photo: Air Greenland
Flair Airlines (Canada) is expanding its winter network with new nonstop flights to Puerto Plata, from Toronto and Montreal in late December 2026
Ethiopian Airlines will begin service from Addis Ababa to Port Harcourt, effective 01 December 2026.
Ethiopian Airlines plans service from Addis Ababa to Nacala starting from 27 October 2026, with B737-8.
Cargojet (Canada) announces the launch of a new service to Liege, beginning 23 September 2026, with B767F. It is part of the Hamilton – Halifax – Liege – Hamilton route
British Airways (UK) will launch a daily non-stop flight between London Heathrow and Buenos Aires starting on 28 March 2027, with B777. The carrier will also launch flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar with B777 from May 2027.
AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines plans to resume Baku – Astrakhan service on 30 September 2026, with E190.
Air Transat (Canada) suspends the Toronto Pearson – Manchester route during 1Q 2027, with A321LR.
Air Canada Cargo schedules Toronto Pearson – Maastricht route on 29 October 2026, with B767F.
Please confirm all flights with your airline.
FLEET - Transavia France to start A321neo ops in late 1Q27
Transavia France (TO, Paris Orly) will start A321-200NX operations in the first quarter of 2027, the carrier said in a press release, adding that it is hoping to enhance both its economic and environmental performance with the move.
The Air France-KLM subsidiary currently operates a fleet of thirty-one A320-200N jets and sixty-eight B737-800s. It first introduced the A320neo family aircraft in early 2024.
Group affiliate Transavia Airlines already operates nineteen A321-200NX alongside thirty-four B737-800s, while KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates seventeen A321-200NX.
“We are delighted to add the A321neo to our fleet. Alongside the A320neo, this new aircraft will drive our growth and improve our cost competitiveness. It will also be our primary means of immediately reducing both CO₂ emissions and our noise footprint,” Transavia France CEO Olivier Mazzucchelli said.
After the first addition arrives in March 2027, Transavia France expects another four aircraft of the variant to join by the summer season.
Transavia was unable to reveal to ch-aviation further information on the incoming aircraft, such as details on the first arrival and sourcing arrangements. ch-aviation data shows that the carrier’s A320-200N fleet is a mix of group-owned aircraft and dry leases from various lessors.
CH Aviation / Photo: Ton Jochems - AMS
FLEET - ABX Air inks new B767-300F ACMI deal; to add A330F
The agreement reflects the commercial strategy of ABX Air’s parent, Air Transport Services Group (ATSG), which is focused on expanding charter opportunities while connecting customers with operating and support solutions, the company added. ATSG president and CEO Greg Mays said ABX Air’s experience with the B767 platform “makes it well positioned to support Global Aviation Link’s continued expansion”.
Global Aviation Link is a freight specialist based in Miami, Florida. Over the past three years, it has been chartering aircraft for 1x daily services between Miami International and Bogotá and is now looking to expand into Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.
ch-aviation fleets data shows ABX Air operates one B767-200(BDSF), eight B767-200(SF)s, five B767-300ER(BCF)s, twenty-two B767-300ER(BDSF)s, and three B767-300Fs.
Furthermore, starting next year, ABX Air will launch A330-300(P2F) CMI services for Amazon.com, adding N817CM (msn 1269) to its fleet, news site Cargo Facts reported. The 14.9-year-old aircraft is owned by Cargo Aircraft Management and is currently undergoing maintenance.
ch-aviation has reached out to ABX Air for confirmation and comment on the CMI deal. It was not immediately available.
CH Aviation / Photo: Duncan Stewart - LAX
SPECIAL LIVERY - Iberia Regional / EC-MJP / Bombardier CRJ-1000 - "Cantabria Infinita"
Alain Charpentier - TLS
quinta-feira, 1 de outubro de 2026
Subscrever:
Mensagens (Atom)